Principal/Senior Secondary Engineer (Substations)

Principal/Senior Secondary Engineer (Substations)

Join APD Global and help power the future of Western Australia.

We’re hiring two key roles within our Substations team at APD Global:

Principal Secondary Engineer

About APD Global

APD Global is a specialist engineering firm delivering expert solutions across Power Systems, Telecommunications, and Renewable Energy .

With over 25 years of experience and 1000+ professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, we’re known for technical excellence, innovation, and client‑first delivery.

Our Perth CBD team plays a key role in high‑voltage transmission and distribution projects supporting Western Australia’s energy transition.

Senior Secondary Engineer – Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical solutions and support for substation secondary systems design including protection philosophy documentation, AC/DC system sizing, and CT/VT calculations
• Undertake detailed secondary systems design: protection studies, settings, configurations, and field components across protection, automation, and telecommunications
• Prepare detailed scopes, estimates, and specifications for secondary systems in transmission and distribution projects
• Design substation secondary systems including protection and control, creating single line diagrams (SLDs), logic diagrams, schematics, cable schedules, panel arrangements, and termination schedules
• Ensure all designs comply with client requirements, legislative standards, and relevant Australian and international codes
• Assist in all project lifecycle phases: feasibility, concept, detailed design, and construction/commissioning
• Support and monitor quality of work within the design team to ensure consistently high engineering standards
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships, providing responsive technical support throughout projects
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement of secondary systems design and adoption of new technologies
• Help shape and influence internal design standards and utility technical rules
• Ensure all deliverables meet technical, safety, quality, time, and budget expectations

Principal Secondary Engineer – Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across all aspects of substation secondary system design including complex protection philosophies, AC/DC systems, and CT/VT schemes
• Oversee and guide detailed secondary design activities: protection studies, settings, configuration, and automation integration
• Lead preparation of project scopes, technical specifications, cost estimates, and quality documentation across the full project lifecycle
• Develop and review critical design documents: single line diagrams, logic and wiring diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, termination and cable schedules
• Ensure alignment with client standards, Australian/international codes, and legislative/safety requirements
• Serve as a technical advisor and escalation point for complex engineering challenges throughout all project phases
• Mentor senior and junior engineers, promoting technical excellence and knowledge sharing
• Influence and build strong client relationships, contributing to project acquisition, solution design, and technical consultancy
• Drive innovation in secondary systems design, supporting digital engineering initiatives and automation technology adoption
• Lead development and refinement of internal standards and processes aligned with utility technical rules and industry best practice

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering recognised by Engineers Australia
• Senior role: Minimum 7 years’ experience in substation secondary systems design, ideally consulting or utility environment
• Principal role: 10+ years’ experience including leadership or principal engineering responsibilities
• Experience delivering projects for utilities such as Western Power, Horizon Power, BHP, FMG, Transgrid, or similar
• Expertise in HV protection systems, LV control systems, and secondary‑primary design integration
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, substation automation, and modern digital substation technologies (especially Principal role)
• Strong knowledge of utility engineering standards and compliance processes
• High attention to detail, ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong leadership, communication, and project oversight skills (Principal role)
• Full working rights in Australia
• Work on major transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects across WA
• Play a key role in delivering smarter, more sustainable energy infrastructure
• Competitive salaries reflecting role and experience
• Access to a national network of industry specialists and best‑in‑class tools
• Supportive and collaborative culture where your work makes a difference

Successful candidates will be required to complete a medical assessment and provide a police clearance.

APD is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage and support our employees to bring their unique talents, backgrounds, and expertise to create exceptional outcomes.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Design

Industries

Engineering Services and Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution

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